Partnering for a healthy city: A qualitative study on the functioning of Montréal-Métropole en Santé

Background: Synergy is the positive collaborative outcome that intersectoral partnerships aim to achieve. Although the keys to successful partnerships are known, limited research shows how to achieve synergy practically within large-scale partnerships.
Purpose: We aimed to understand how large intersectoral partnerships achieve synergy.
Methods: We conducted online semi-structured interviews with stakeholders involved in an NGO called Montréal-Métropole en santé, which promotes active living and sustainable eating practices by mobilizing over 150 stakeholders within two intersectoral partnerships: Montréal Physiquement Active (MPA) and Conseil du Système Alimentaire Montréalais (CSAM). A sample of 10 MPA and 12 CSAM stakeholders participated. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed, and thematic analysis was performed based on the Bergen Model of Collaborative Functioning.
Results: Analyses showed that flexible, dynamic, and agile structures were essential in enabling MPA and CSAM to progress towards achieving synergy. Adapting to changing contexts, such as membership turnover and the COVID-19 pandemic, was facilitated by the creation of task groups and steering committees as well as the development of cross-cutting initiatives suited to current needs. Maintaining open and supportive organizational cultures and “safe spaces” were said to be key in weathering change. Tools for successful mobilization, facilitation, and dissemination included small group brainstorming sessions, large-scale summits, one-on-one meetings with new and departing members, and information dashboards.
Conclusions: Achieving synergy in intersectoral partnerships is challenging but can be overcome by co-constructing a comprehensive picture of the context as it evolves in real-time. Implementing support tools and strategies that account for the evolving needs and perspectives of stakeholders helps to progress towards positive collaborative outcomes.
Practical implications: Synergy in large intersectoral partnerships requires a multipronged approach to support functioning. Our results show tools and strategies that support synergistic functioning along a collaborative continuum allowing for varying degrees of stakeholder involvement.
Funding: CIHR Team Grant Program (#IP2—150710).